TV
At least six persons have died while 18 others have been injured in the accidents caused by Mo Bus service across Cuttack, Puri and Bhubaneswar in the past eight months.
The alarming statistics were revealed in a written response by Urban Development Minister Krushna Mohapatra to a query raised by BJD MLA Arun Sahoo in the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday. Various Mo Buses were involved in 19 accidents from the month of June 2024 till date.
Also Read: Rise in fatal accidents raise concerns over Mo Bus safety in Odisha
Compensation
Despite multiple incidents of Mo Bus accidents, compensation has been provided only in two cases, where the families of the deceased received Rs 3.05 lakh each. The government has now taken a series of steps to curb such accidents and enhance passenger safety.
Speed Limits and Safety Enhancements
To reduce the risk of mishaps, the Odisha government has implemented strict speed limits for Mo Bus services:
Diesel buses: Capped at 40 km/h
Electric buses: Limited to 35 km/h
Additionally, plans are underway to equip all buses with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to ensure real-time monitoring of driver behavior and prevent accidents.
Also Read: Mo Bus to be renamed as Ama Bus; CCTV cameras, sirens to be installed: Odisha Minister
Accident Review Committee Formed
In response to the increasing number of accidents, the government has constituted a review committee to analyze each incident and recommend preventive measures. The findings of this committee will play a crucial role in refining safety regulations and improving urban transport services in the state.
With growing concerns over road safety, authorities are expected to introduce stricter operational guidelines and enhance driver training to minimize future mishaps involving public transport services.
